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Boehner backs U.S. military force in Syria

View LargerManuel Balce Ceneta | AP photoHouse Speaker John Boehner Boehner predicted that the House and Senate would support the president in approving missile and possible air attacks against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

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WASHINGTON — House Speaker John Boehner said today he will support a resolution authorizing President Barack Obama to use military force against Syria for its use of chemical weapons against its own people, saying “we have enemies around the world that need to understand that we’re not going to tolerate this kind of behavior.’’

Emerging from a White House meeting with Obama and congressional leaders from both parties, Boehner, R-West Chester, predicted that the House and Senate would support the president in approving missile and possible air attacks against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Speaking in forceful terms, Boehner said the attacks were necessary to “stop Assad and to warn others around the world that this type of behavior is not going to be tolerated. This is something that the United States as a country needs to do.’’

“We also have allies around the world and allies in the region who also need to know that America will be there and stand up when it’s necessary,’’ Boehner said.

Boehner’s support is crucial for the White House to win House backing of a resolution authorizing the use of force. Although as many as 80 House Republicans are likely to oppose a resolution, Boehner probably could sway the votes of more than 120 Republican lawmakers.

Among those expected to oppose the resolution are Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, who said today he “would be incredibly surprised if the House of Representatives passed this resolution.’’

Before the closed-door meeting with congressional leaders, Obama told reporters that “we have set up a draft authorization. We’re going to be asking for hearings and a prompt vote.’’

Obama said the “key point that I want to emphasize to the American people: The military plan that has been developed by the joint chiefs and that I believe is appropriate is proportional. It is limited. It does not involve boots on the ground. This is not Iraq and this is not Afghanistan.’’

Obama said the attacks “will send a clear message not only to the Assad regime, but also to other countries that may be interested in testing some of these international norms, that there are consequences.’’

“It gives us the ability to degrade Assad’s capabilities when it comes to chemical weapons. It also fits into a broader strategy that we have to make sure that we can bring about over time the kind of strengthening of the opposition and the diplomatic and economic and political pressure required so that ultimately we have a transition that can bring peace and stability not only to Syria but to the region.’’